Lt. Robert Van Zeyl, who served in the Suffolk County Police Second Precinct, died Wednesday of Covid-19.
He was 60 years old.
“Bob was a wonderful person, a dedicated member of our department, and a pleasure to know both personally and professionally,” Inspector William Scrima, commanding officer of the Second Precinct, said. “He was a person who genuinely enjoyed his work and was liked by people of all ranks who knew him and worked with him. He will be truly missed by this department and by the Second Precinct in particular.”
His death is the first of an active duty sworn member of the Suffolk County Police Department from the virus and he will be honored with a line of duty funeral. Arrangements of which are pending.
He was diagnosed on Jan. 3 and was hospitalized a week later, the department said.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of an exceptional member of our law enforcement family, Lieutenant Robert Van Zeyl,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “Lt. Van Zeyl’s more than three decades of exemplary service are a testament to his commitment to public service, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, he was on the frontlines every day helping residents in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Van Zeyl family during this difficult time.”
Van Zeyl joined the Suffolk County Police Department in February 1985 and served in the Fifth Precinct upon graduation from the academy. Van Zeyl was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and then lieutenant in 2003. He served as the commanding officer of the Applicant Investigation Section and the Administrative Services Bureau before transferring to the Second Precinct in 2015 where he worked until his death.
“COVID-19 has impacted law enforcement agencies throughout the country and it is with deep sadness that the Suffolk County Police Department has lost its first member of service who contracted coronavirus earlier this month,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “Lt. Van Zeyl served Suffolk County residents with distinction for nearly 36 years and his legacy will continue with the members of this department. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”
“It is truly heartbreaking to lose a member of our department, doubly so personally given the fact that I have known Bob for my entire career,” Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said. “Thirty-six years ago, we were sworn in together and became Suffolk County Police officers; his entire adult life was dedicated to public safety. Bob’s passing exemplifies the multifaceted dangers that members of our department face every day to keep the residents of our county safe. Our department grieves his loss along with his family.”
During his more than three-decade career, Van Zeyl received more than a dozen recognitions for his contributions to the police department including two Cop of the Month honors and the Excellent Police Duty Award for amassing 12 or more self-initiated DWI arrests in a single year.
He is survived by his ex-wife Christine Zubrinic, a daughter, Hailey, and son, Tyler, both 14.
“The Suffolk County Police Department has not only lost a great police officer, but we’ve lost a great boss, and more importantly, a great friend,” said Sgt. Jack Smithers, who worked with Van Zeyl in the Second Precinct. “He will be sorely missed by all.”